There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked hot cross buns wafting through your home. These traditional treats, with their sweet, spiced dough and signature cross, are not just a delicious addition to your Easter celebrations—they’re a warm hug for your taste buds! Let’s dive into this detailed recipe that’ll make you feel like a baking pro, complete with helpful tips and serving suggestions.
Ingredients
- For the Buns:
- 500g (4 cups) strong white bread flour
- 75g (⅓ cup) caster sugar
- 10g (2 tsp) salt
- 10g (2 tsp) mixed spice powder (or cinnamon and nutmeg)
- 10g (2 tsp) instant yeast
- 40g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 300ml (1¼ cups) milk, lukewarm
- 1 large egg
- 150g (1 cup) mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, or sultanas)
- For the Cross:
- 75g (½ cup) plain flour
- Water (enough to make a thick paste)
- For the Glaze:
- 75g (⅓ cup) apricot jam
- 1 tbsp water
Preparation Steps
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, mixed spice powder, and instant yeast. Make sure to keep the salt and yeast separate initially, as salt can inhibit yeast growth.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the lukewarm milk, softened butter, and egg. Gradually pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives the buns their structure.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Buns: Once risen, punch down the dough and knead in the dried fruit. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a ball. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are close but not touching.
- Second Rise: Cover the buns with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Prepare the Cross: Mix the plain flour with enough water to create a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe a cross over each bun.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
- Glaze: While the buns cool, heat the apricot jam and water in a small saucepan until melted. Brush this glaze over the warm buns for a beautiful shine.
Tips for Success
- Spice It Up: Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices! A hint of ginger or cardamom can elevate the flavor profile.
- Perfecting the Rise: If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the dough in the oven with just the light on to create a warm environment for rising.
- Don’t Rush: Let the buns cool completely before storing them; this prevents them from becoming soggy.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful buns are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack. Serve them warm with a pat of butter or enjoy them toasted with a dollop of jam. Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat!
Reheating Tips
To revive leftover hot cross buns, simply pop them in the toaster for a few minutes or warm them in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 5-10 minutes. They’ll taste just as good as fresh!
Also See: Chocolate Orange Hot Cross Buns Recipe
